Officers
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Monica and Roman Krawczyk
Co-Presidents |
Tom Chang
Vice President |
Christoper Fasano
Co-Treasurer Jenny La Rosa
Co-Treasurer |
Patricia Rossi, Esq.
Secretary |
Board of Trustees
Greg Bonda-Riva
Daniel Deutsch
Michael Mule
Daniel Deutsch
Michael Mule
Emeritus - Theresa Santmann
Advisory Committee Members
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Robert Bigler
Catherine & Russ Brown Patrice Frank Christine Gagnon Cathy Jusino Alfred LaRosa |
Ronnie Schauder
Leonardo Tavera Frank Trifaro Christopher Wright Vivian Youngblood |
Officer Bios
monica and roman krawczyk
co-Presidents
Monica and Roman Krawczyk believed it was destiny almost 24 years ago when their paths crossed with Splashes of Hope’s Founder, Heather Buggee. They watched Heather on the local news describing the mission that is Splashes of Hope. As a result, Monica and Roman invited Heather into their company's facility to give space for the organization to run its operations. The Krawczyks absolutely fell in love with Splashes of Hope’s mission. With Heather’s undeniable talent of creating transformative murals for healthcare centers, they have seen the compassion to ease the pain of those who need it the most, one of the main focuses being the ailing of children through artwork.
Throughout the years, the Krawczyks have continuously volunteered, dedicated resources, and assisted Splashes of Hope in many capacities to fulfill Heather's dream, as well as to drive the organization’s mission forward. Since then, Splashes of Hope has always been a significant part of their family life. They are happy and fortunate to have encouraged their parents, children, and many friends to become involved with the organization. In the summer of 2020, the Krawczyks were elected Co-Presidents by the Board of Directors to lead the Splashes of Hope into the future.
Monica is a secondary teacher, educating students for the last 14 years at West Islip School District in West Islip, NY.
Roman is an entrepreneur and the owner of Point 2 Point Communications, a fiber optics and communications company. He is an electrical engineer, graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.
They have two children, Nicole and James.
Throughout the years, the Krawczyks have continuously volunteered, dedicated resources, and assisted Splashes of Hope in many capacities to fulfill Heather's dream, as well as to drive the organization’s mission forward. Since then, Splashes of Hope has always been a significant part of their family life. They are happy and fortunate to have encouraged their parents, children, and many friends to become involved with the organization. In the summer of 2020, the Krawczyks were elected Co-Presidents by the Board of Directors to lead the Splashes of Hope into the future.
Monica is a secondary teacher, educating students for the last 14 years at West Islip School District in West Islip, NY.
Roman is an entrepreneur and the owner of Point 2 Point Communications, a fiber optics and communications company. He is an electrical engineer, graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.
They have two children, Nicole and James.
Tom Chang
Vice President
Tom Chang has over 20 years in the high tech software industry. Tom has worked at Salesforce for the past 7.5 years as a Master Solution Engineer he focuses on working with large Enterprise customers to identify the best solutions to help them transform their business. Tom has volunteered with Splashes of Hope over the past 7 years and previously served on the Advisory Board.
Christopher fasano, cpa
co-treasurer
Christopher Fasano, CPA, is a Senior Manager at EisnerAmper LLP with more than ten years of public accounting experience. Chris spends a significant amount of time providing accounting, advisory, and tax services to organizations and businesses across a variety of industries. In the past, he has served as a mentor to entrepreneurs participating in Startup Weekend Long Island and was previously the Treasurer of the LiiNCS Organization, a Long Island 501(c)(3) devoted to helping young professionals enhance their careers and communities.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEE Bios
GREGORY BONDA-RIVA
CO-TREASURER
Greg Bonda-Riva is currently the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at EisnerAmper LLP, and reports directly to the firm’s CFO. His responsibilities include managing the firm’s annual budget and key performance indicators, as well as delivering special projects to support senior management in making business decisions. Greg has more than 15 years of financial experience; prior to joining EisnerAmper he worked at various Fortune 500 companies including Canon, Computer Associates, Marsh & McLennan, and most recently as Director of Finance at First Data Corporation.
Greg learned about Splashes of Hope through EisnerAmper Cares. He was touched by the dedication and inspiration Splashes of Hope showed during his first visit.
He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. in Management from New York Institute of Technology. He was a 1st team All-American in college lacrosse and a member of NYIT’s 1997 national championship team. Greg still plays lacrosse all year round and gives back by coaching his town’s PAL team.
Greg lives on Long Island with his wife, and two children.
Greg learned about Splashes of Hope through EisnerAmper Cares. He was touched by the dedication and inspiration Splashes of Hope showed during his first visit.
He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. in Management from New York Institute of Technology. He was a 1st team All-American in college lacrosse and a member of NYIT’s 1997 national championship team. Greg still plays lacrosse all year round and gives back by coaching his town’s PAL team.
Greg lives on Long Island with his wife, and two children.
daniel deutsch
Daniel Deutsch is a Vice President Business Banker with Flushing Bank working on commercial opportunities in need of capital. He has been in the banking industry for over 10 years. Daniel’s tech background combined with banking allows him to easily navigate first time commercial buyers, investors, developers and real estate brokers.
Daniel is responsible for serving commercial clients on their mortgage financing needs. He uses his experience and expertise to ensure his clients and prospects are educated on the process and products to allow them to select the best financing options available for them.
Daniel has grown his business through his strong relationships with his customers, CPA’s, agents, brokers and attorneys. He takes pride in these relationships and his ability to bring these professionals together to network, share ideas and help them grow their business. In addition, these relationships have helped to foster a new venture into Splashes of Hope where Daniel will help raise funds through Corporate Events, functions and gatherings to raise awareness of what Splashes of Hope offers.
Daniel is responsible for serving commercial clients on their mortgage financing needs. He uses his experience and expertise to ensure his clients and prospects are educated on the process and products to allow them to select the best financing options available for them.
Daniel has grown his business through his strong relationships with his customers, CPA’s, agents, brokers and attorneys. He takes pride in these relationships and his ability to bring these professionals together to network, share ideas and help them grow their business. In addition, these relationships have helped to foster a new venture into Splashes of Hope where Daniel will help raise funds through Corporate Events, functions and gatherings to raise awareness of what Splashes of Hope offers.
Michael C. Mulè
Michael C. Mulè represents companies large and small. He litigates actions in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey involving allegations of breach of contract, business torts, fraud, as well as actions under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). He also defends property insurers in actions involving casualty and theft claims, as well as insureds in property and casualty claims.
Michael has successfully prosecuted breach of contract and business break-up cases, and has successfully defended attorneys against racketeering, fraud, conspiracy and malpractice claims in complex litigation involving over 200 plaintiffs.
A partner in Rivkin Radler’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group, Michael has tried cases before juries and judges in federal district courts in New York and in the state courts of New York and New Jersey. He participated in a five-month trial in federal court defending an international bank against RICO, fraud and conversion of collateral claims. Michael also has a robust practice litigating claims in Connecticut state courts. He also has arbitrated several cases. Michael has substantial appellate experience as well, having argued appeals in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and in the Appellate Divisions of New York and New Jersey. A frequent lecturer, Michael has presented on a variety of topics affecting businesses with the goal of minimizing the risk of litigation. He also has spoken on real property and zoning issues. Michael’s litigation background is diverse. Prior to joining Rivkin Radler, he litigated a broad base of cases, including real estate, commercial contract, fraud, banking, employment, personal injury and maritime matters. He has
represented real property owners, developers, homeowners, and condominium associations in contract disputes, corporate procedure claims and real property and zoning matters. In addition, Michael has represented title insurers and their insureds in title disputes, and he has represented developers before various town zoning and planning boards across Long Island. Michael is active in his community. He has served as president of The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation that provides funding to numerous charities serving residents of the Town of Huntington; as president of the Huntington Lawyers Club; and as a trustee of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. He was also an honoree at the Townwide Fund’s 50th Anniversary Gala. Michael is dedicated to his profession and community, but still finds time for his family. Michael’s passions include golf and reading.
Michael has successfully prosecuted breach of contract and business break-up cases, and has successfully defended attorneys against racketeering, fraud, conspiracy and malpractice claims in complex litigation involving over 200 plaintiffs.
A partner in Rivkin Radler’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group, Michael has tried cases before juries and judges in federal district courts in New York and in the state courts of New York and New Jersey. He participated in a five-month trial in federal court defending an international bank against RICO, fraud and conversion of collateral claims. Michael also has a robust practice litigating claims in Connecticut state courts. He also has arbitrated several cases. Michael has substantial appellate experience as well, having argued appeals in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and in the Appellate Divisions of New York and New Jersey. A frequent lecturer, Michael has presented on a variety of topics affecting businesses with the goal of minimizing the risk of litigation. He also has spoken on real property and zoning issues. Michael’s litigation background is diverse. Prior to joining Rivkin Radler, he litigated a broad base of cases, including real estate, commercial contract, fraud, banking, employment, personal injury and maritime matters. He has
represented real property owners, developers, homeowners, and condominium associations in contract disputes, corporate procedure claims and real property and zoning matters. In addition, Michael has represented title insurers and their insureds in title disputes, and he has represented developers before various town zoning and planning boards across Long Island. Michael is active in his community. He has served as president of The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation that provides funding to numerous charities serving residents of the Town of Huntington; as president of the Huntington Lawyers Club; and as a trustee of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. He was also an honoree at the Townwide Fund’s 50th Anniversary Gala. Michael is dedicated to his profession and community, but still finds time for his family. Michael’s passions include golf and reading.
Emeritus - Theresa Patnode Santmann
Theresa Patnode Santmann started life in humble surroundings, growing up on a farm in upstate New York. She began her professional career as a registered nurse, and through hard work and determination, Santmann became a highly successful entrepreneur, inventor and business woman. She was the founder and executive director of two nursing homes in Suffolk County, Little Flower Nursing and rehabilitation in East Islip and Petite Fleur Nursing Home in Sayville. Additionally she created “In Katie’s Care”, a respite center, named for her granddaughter, for the Suffolk County Girl Scouts Council.
Philanthropically, the personal commitment and generosity of Theresa Santmann has reverberated throughout Long Island including a $ 1, 000,000 gifts in support of Winthrop University Hospital’s innovative research program. This contribution is aimed at finding the cause and a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) know as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Santmann’s interest in research resulted when her late husband, John, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 30 and succumbed to the illness 18 years later.
In the year of 2011 President Keen of Farmingdale College announced the largest single gift in the history of the college, $ 1,000,000 donated by Theresa Patnode Santmann. The gift is creating four scholarships spread over the program in nursing, bioscience, dental hygiene and medical technology and will also support faculty research and the enhancing of student research.Theresa Santmann is also active in her community, having served as president of the Babylon village School Board, president of the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce and president of the Babylon Village Youth Project. Currently she serves as vice president of Splashes of Hope.
Over the years Theresa Santmann has received many awards for her humanitarian efforts. In 1998, she was an honoree for the March of Dimes Woman of Distinction. In 1999, she received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and a distinguished Citizen award from Dowling College. Having bee named one of Long Island’s top 50 women three times, she was inducted into the “Hall of Fame” by Long Island Business News. In 2006 she was honored by the Suffolk County Clerk and the law firm Siben and Siben at a fund raiser to benefit Hospice Care Network.
Theresa Santmann’s accomplishments are multiple and diverse, including a published autobiography entitled, In Gratitude to My Guardian Angel. In 1993, in an effort to make the patients in her nursing homes more comfortable she developed a walker with a folding, pivoting seat and harness, for which she holds a patent.
From 1998 to 2011 she sponsored 37 students in order for them to attend St. Lukes School in the Bronx.
Philanthropically, the personal commitment and generosity of Theresa Santmann has reverberated throughout Long Island including a $ 1, 000,000 gifts in support of Winthrop University Hospital’s innovative research program. This contribution is aimed at finding the cause and a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) know as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Santmann’s interest in research resulted when her late husband, John, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 30 and succumbed to the illness 18 years later.
In the year of 2011 President Keen of Farmingdale College announced the largest single gift in the history of the college, $ 1,000,000 donated by Theresa Patnode Santmann. The gift is creating four scholarships spread over the program in nursing, bioscience, dental hygiene and medical technology and will also support faculty research and the enhancing of student research.Theresa Santmann is also active in her community, having served as president of the Babylon village School Board, president of the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce and president of the Babylon Village Youth Project. Currently she serves as vice president of Splashes of Hope.
Over the years Theresa Santmann has received many awards for her humanitarian efforts. In 1998, she was an honoree for the March of Dimes Woman of Distinction. In 1999, she received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and a distinguished Citizen award from Dowling College. Having bee named one of Long Island’s top 50 women three times, she was inducted into the “Hall of Fame” by Long Island Business News. In 2006 she was honored by the Suffolk County Clerk and the law firm Siben and Siben at a fund raiser to benefit Hospice Care Network.
Theresa Santmann’s accomplishments are multiple and diverse, including a published autobiography entitled, In Gratitude to My Guardian Angel. In 1993, in an effort to make the patients in her nursing homes more comfortable she developed a walker with a folding, pivoting seat and harness, for which she holds a patent.
From 1998 to 2011 she sponsored 37 students in order for them to attend St. Lukes School in the Bronx.
advisory committee bios
catherine and russ brown
Catherine holds degrees in Fine Arts and Advertising Design from Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island. Her husband Russ, former owner of Brown Builder's Supply in New Hyde Park, NY, has a liberal arts degree from Hollywood College in Hollywood, Florida.
They had the good fortune of meeting Heather Buggee at Coindre Hall in 2006, where their youngest daughter was celebrating her wedding. They have been Splashes of Hope supporters and volunteers since then!
Catherine is also an honorary board member at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, NY, where she previously served as Board Chair, and in other board capacities. She has been a Make-A-Wish volunteer for over 30 years. In addition, she served on the board of Newborns in Need, a Huntington based charity which provided essentials to neonatals.
Although Catherine and Russ moved to Naples, Florida in 2013, they remain active Splash volunteers and have spearheaded the growth of Splashes of Hope in Florida, both sponsoring and painting on local projects.
They had the good fortune of meeting Heather Buggee at Coindre Hall in 2006, where their youngest daughter was celebrating her wedding. They have been Splashes of Hope supporters and volunteers since then!
Catherine is also an honorary board member at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, NY, where she previously served as Board Chair, and in other board capacities. She has been a Make-A-Wish volunteer for over 30 years. In addition, she served on the board of Newborns in Need, a Huntington based charity which provided essentials to neonatals.
Although Catherine and Russ moved to Naples, Florida in 2013, they remain active Splash volunteers and have spearheaded the growth of Splashes of Hope in Florida, both sponsoring and painting on local projects.
Patrice L. Frank
Patrice has been a development professional for more than 30 years. At Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts since 2001, Ms. Frank created a comprehensive fundraising program which led to the initiation of an annual membership campaign, a new Leadership Council, increased corporate and foundation support and two unique special events: Usdan University, an arts camping experience for adults only, and in 2004 a first time Gala Dinner and Student Concert under the stars. She was also responsible for the Center's 35th Anniversary Gala at Carnegie Hall celebrated in 2003.
Previously she was a Senior Development Executive with UJA-Federation of New York for 12 years. Her position was capital fundraising; working with over 30 network agencies, including major hospitals and nursing homes, human service agencies, community centers and camps. Responsibilities included prospect identification, research, cultivation, proposal development, solicitations and donor stewardship. Prior to that position Patrice was Director of Development at Skills Unlimited, Inc. a vocational rehabilitation and training center.
Patrice was President of the Long Island chapter of AFP in 2009 and 2010 and was chair of 2003 Philanthropy Day attracting more than 700 professional fundraisers, board members, volunteers, philanthropists and corporate supporters. She has taught various fundraising courses for AFPLI’s continuing education program at Long Island University and has been a presenter at Fund Raising Day in New York. A frequent mentor to new development professionals and is an active member of ABA, American Business Associates. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and a NYS teaching certificate from Hofstra University and is a resident of Port Washington.
Previously she was a Senior Development Executive with UJA-Federation of New York for 12 years. Her position was capital fundraising; working with over 30 network agencies, including major hospitals and nursing homes, human service agencies, community centers and camps. Responsibilities included prospect identification, research, cultivation, proposal development, solicitations and donor stewardship. Prior to that position Patrice was Director of Development at Skills Unlimited, Inc. a vocational rehabilitation and training center.
Patrice was President of the Long Island chapter of AFP in 2009 and 2010 and was chair of 2003 Philanthropy Day attracting more than 700 professional fundraisers, board members, volunteers, philanthropists and corporate supporters. She has taught various fundraising courses for AFPLI’s continuing education program at Long Island University and has been a presenter at Fund Raising Day in New York. A frequent mentor to new development professionals and is an active member of ABA, American Business Associates. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and a NYS teaching certificate from Hofstra University and is a resident of Port Washington.
Christine Gagnon
Christine Gagnon is an Audit Director with nearly 15 years of public accounting experience. She provides services to public and private clients in a variety of industries, including financial services, retail, manufacturing, software and technology. Christine is responsible for all phases of the audit, including the planning, organization, supervision, and review of the fieldwork. She also assists in the training and mentoring of staff and is involved in the recruitment of new employees.
In addition, Christine is a chairperson for EisnerAmper Cares, the firm’s community volunteer organization aimed at serving those in need through donations of employees’ time and skills to charitable, civic and environmental projects and programs - which is how she found Splashes of Hope.
She has a strong appreciation for the work that is done by Splashes and has extra appreciation after having to visit the emergency room with her young child for a quick visit to get stitches. The colorful, kid-friendly artwork on the walls and ceiling tiles provided the much needed distraction that her two year old needed during treatment. Christine resides in Florida with her husband Sean and two children Brielle and Tyler.
Because of her proactive approach to community service and through a personal experience that exposed her to our work, Christine reached out to us during the EisnerAmper, LLP Volunteer Week. From that point forward she has taken an active role with us, participating in fund raising, planning sessions, working on our annual gala and helping us spread the word about our mission throughout the business community.
She also became very hands-on by donating art supplies for events and money and by being involved in all the key areas of the organization. Christine displays leadership qualities that are extremely useful in helping drive our work forward. Since then she has engaged even further, recently organizing an EisnerAmper, LLP team of 12 employees to help us clean up our studios and prime mural boards of Masonite for final art applications which helped our team to more efficiently fulfill our mission.
Despite her already busy personal and business life, we have found Christine to be a very dependable and an active participant in the Splashes mission. Christine has previously served as Board Secretary, Board Treasurer and was the Chairperson for the 20th Anniversary Splashes of Hope Gala.
In addition, Christine is a chairperson for EisnerAmper Cares, the firm’s community volunteer organization aimed at serving those in need through donations of employees’ time and skills to charitable, civic and environmental projects and programs - which is how she found Splashes of Hope.
She has a strong appreciation for the work that is done by Splashes and has extra appreciation after having to visit the emergency room with her young child for a quick visit to get stitches. The colorful, kid-friendly artwork on the walls and ceiling tiles provided the much needed distraction that her two year old needed during treatment. Christine resides in Florida with her husband Sean and two children Brielle and Tyler.
Because of her proactive approach to community service and through a personal experience that exposed her to our work, Christine reached out to us during the EisnerAmper, LLP Volunteer Week. From that point forward she has taken an active role with us, participating in fund raising, planning sessions, working on our annual gala and helping us spread the word about our mission throughout the business community.
She also became very hands-on by donating art supplies for events and money and by being involved in all the key areas of the organization. Christine displays leadership qualities that are extremely useful in helping drive our work forward. Since then she has engaged even further, recently organizing an EisnerAmper, LLP team of 12 employees to help us clean up our studios and prime mural boards of Masonite for final art applications which helped our team to more efficiently fulfill our mission.
Despite her already busy personal and business life, we have found Christine to be a very dependable and an active participant in the Splashes mission. Christine has previously served as Board Secretary, Board Treasurer and was the Chairperson for the 20th Anniversary Splashes of Hope Gala.
frank trifaro
Frank Trifaro has been in the finance and banking industry for over 17 years. For the past ten of them, Frank has served as Vice President, Branch Manager at BNB Bank. He has spent his banking tenure helping business and individual clients across all industries with their financing and day to day banking needs. Throughout his professional career, Frank has served on various advisory boards and has contributed his time to giving back to the community. Frank has a B.S in business management from Hofstra University. He and his wife and two children live in East Islip.
Chris Wright
Chris Wright is the head of the New York office of Protiviti Consulting and is the Regional Managing Director for the firm’s Eastern United States operations. He is also the firm-wide Managing Director of the Finance Remediation and Reporting Compliance group, which serves clients by assisting them in solving accounting and financial reporting issues and challenges. He has nearly twenty-five years of experience serving a variety of clients, including six years as a partner at two global accounting firms (Arthur Andersen and KPMG).
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting from Franciscan University.
In addition to serving on the Advisory Board of Splashes of Hope, Chris volunteers as the chair of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, as a member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, and as a member of the board of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA).
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting from Franciscan University.
In addition to serving on the Advisory Board of Splashes of Hope, Chris volunteers as the chair of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, as a member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, and as a member of the board of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA).